You're probably thinking, "isn't the series Hotel Highlight?" And, yes, technically it is. But here at Silly Little Kiwi we're all about finding the right accommodation for every budget and occasion. And we love a good hostel with character.

Feb 20, 2018

I'm Tara.

I'm just a silly little girl who likes to go places and tell her silly little stories.

SLK documents the adventures I've had across 5 continents & who I've become on my journeys.

Aug 29 a first-timer's guide to landmarks in Paris

If it's your first time visiting the beautiful {but also dirty and smelly} city of Paris, I suspect you'll want to hit the famous highlights, right? Because of that, I put together a silly, little guide to the landmarks throughout the city.

Here is a guide to {some of the many} famous landmarks in Paris...

The Louvre Museum //

Is it a landmark if it's a museum?! Probably not according to some architectural experts that are much smarter than me, especially on matters such as these. However, for the purposes of this blog, we're counting it. Because it's a spot on everyone's list, right?

Closest metro stop: Palais de Royal/Musee du Louvre on line 1

Insider info: There is FREE WiFi near the entrance to the museum. It exists there so that you can book tickets to the museum, but it will work in a tick if you're having a navigational emergency.

Arc de Triomphe //

You can hit up this famous landmark on your way down the Champs de Elysee for world famous shopping or before nipping into Laduree for yummy sweets.

Closest metro stop: Charles de Gaulle-Etoile

Insider info: The Arc de Triomphe has the best view of the city. Yeah, like, better than the Eiffel Tour. Trust me on this one, it's even been said by Brooke of World of Wanderlust, one of the OGs of travel blogging.

Notre Dame //

This medieval cathedral lies in the 4th Arrondissement. The line for the famous cathedral is never-ending. The tour groups are out in hoards, especially in the middle of the day. Don't be afraid to push through people {politely, obviously} to get the shot you want. Everyone else will be doing it, so don't be shy.

Closest metro stop: Saint-Michel/Notre Dame

Insider info: The very center of Paris lies right near the front entrance of Notre Dame. It's said that if you kiss your lover while standing on the marker, you'll be together for eternity.

Tour de Eiffel //

Obviously, this little number is at the top of every first-time visitor's list, right? I have to say, I think it's prettiest in winter, but I might be alone on that one. I once watched it light up at the turn of the Millenium and, guys, it was the best. There are stairs that go to the very top, but visitors can only get that up via elevator. It's still the highest observation deck open to the public in the European Union {or so said my walking tour guide}.

Closest metro stop: Champ de Mars / Tour Eiffel on the RER C line

Insider info: There is a killer shot {the one you've seen all over Instagram} from across the road at the Trocadéro. Head that way for that classic {and cliche af} walking-down-the-staircase-in-a-sundress-shot.

Unofficial Princess Diana Memorial Statue //

This stop is actually called the Flame of Liberty and is an exact replica of the flame held by the Statue of Liberty in the U.S.A. Who would have thought? Just kidding, makes perfect sense. The statues became an unofficial memorial for Princess Diana after her tragic death since it sits over the tunnel where her fatal crash occurred.

Closest metro stop: I found the Cite stop to be closest, but I'm not a local, so you'll have to correct me if I'm wrong.

Moulin Rouge //

The Moulin Rouge {or 'Red Mill' if you feel like using your fancy French language skills} is the birthplace of the can-can as we know it today. The dance was used to help..ummm...sex workers??...seduce their male clientele. Policemen used to get paid to go into the establishment to check if the can-can dancers had on undergarments. Tough gig for those men, I'm sure.

Closest metro station: Blanche on Line 2

Insider info: You can actually go and experience dinner and a show at the Moulin Rouge. It's not like the Baz Lurhman film, but it's still pretty spesh.

Sacré-Cœur //

Another gorgeous church in France, are we seeing a theme? I didn't go inside on this trip, but you are able to!

Closest metro stop: Abbesses on Line 12 or Anvers on Line 2

Insider info: Visit in the spring or early summer to see the prettiest blossoms surrounding the Sacre-Couer.

You're probably thinking, "isn't the series Hotel Highlight?" And, yes, technically it is. But here at Silly Little Kiwi we're all about finding the right accommodation for every budget and occasion. And we love a good hostel with character.